Adjustable target

ABSTRACT

An adjustable target has a first target section and second target section attached to a base and an adjusting device. The second target section is at least partially visible through an opening in the first target section. An adjusting device engageably attaches to the first target section providing for a reduced effective size of the target area. An adjusting device is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an adjustable target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides for a target with an adjustable target area.

A further embodiment provides for the appearance of a long-range target in a shortened shooting range environment.

Other embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the invention solely to the embodiments described herein, will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an adjustable target in accordance with embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a back perspective view of an adjustable target in accordance with embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of a target section in an inoperative position in accordance with embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of the adjustable target in an inoperative position in accordance with embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view of an adjusting device attached to the adjustable target in accordance with embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to various specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described with sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be employed, and that changes may be made without departing from the teachings of the invention.

FIGS. 1-5 show an adjustable target (100) having at least a first target section (102) and second target section (104) attached to a base (106), a reset device (108), and an adjusting device (110). The second target section (104) is positioned behind the first target section (102) such that a target area (112) on the second target section (104) is at least partially visible through an opening (114) in the first target section (102).

The first target section (102) and second target section (104) attach to the base (106) by, but are not limited to, a screw, a bolt, a nail, a weld, or any other attachment suitable for its intended purpose. The first target section (102), second target section (104), or both can be operatively attached (116 a, 116 b) to the base (106). The operative attachments (116 a, 116 b) include, but are not limited to, a spring, a hinge, a screw, a bolt, or any other operative attachment suitable for its intended purpose.

In an embodiment, the first target section (102) and second target section (104) are positioned substantially vertical. In this embodiment, the first target section (102) remains stationary and the second target section (104) is operatively attached (116 b) to the base (106). When the target area (112) is contacted, the second target section (104) is knocked down to an inoperative position, as shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the second target section (104) moves in a substantially horizontal direction to an inoperative position. A reset device (108) attached to the second target section (102) can be utilized to return the second target section (104) to an operative position.

In another embodiment, the first target section (102) is engageably attached (118) to the second target section (104). In this embodiment, both the first target section (102) and second target section (104) are operatively attached (116 a, 116 b) to the base (106) in a substantially vertical position. When the target area (112) is contacted, both the first target section (102) and second target section (104) move to an inoperative or substantially less than vertical position, as shown in FIG. 4. However, if the first target section (102) is contacted, then both the first target section (102) and second target section (104) remain in an operative position, as shown in FIG. 2. A reset device (108) attached to the first target section (102), second target section (104), or both can be utilized to return the first target section (102) and second target section (104) to an operative position.

The target (100) may be made of any material suitable for its intended purpose, including but not limited to plastic, steel, polymer, or composite. For example, the target (100) may be made of plastic for use with paintball, soft air and toy guns. In an embodiment, the first target section (102) is in the shape of an animal. In another embodiment, the opening (114) corresponds to the kill zone of the animal.

The reset device (108) can be, but not limited to, a rope, a cord, a chain, a spring, a hinge, a spring-loaded device, a pneumatic device, or anything else sufficient to return the first target section (102), second target section (104), or both to an operative position. In an embodiment, the first target section (102), second target section (104), or both are automatically reset to the operative position. For example, the automatic reset can occur by a compression recoiling one or both target sections back to an operative position. A pneumatic device can also return the target back to an operative position. Other methods known in the art of returning one or both target sections to an operative position are contemplated.

FIG. 5 shows an adjusting device (110) that allows the present invention to be used on a shortened shooting range and provides the appearance of shooting a target (100) at a longer range. The adjusting device (110) is engageably attached (120) to the first target section (102). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the adjusting device (110) extends over the opening (114). In another embodiment, the adjusting device (110) operates similar to a camera shutter by closing from the side thereby reducing the effective size of the target area (112) by decreasing the distance between the edges of the opening (114). The adjusting device (110) is attached to the first target section (102) by, but not limited to, a screw, a chain, a bolt, a weld, or any other suitable means. The adjusting device (112) may be made of any material suitable for its intended purpose, including but not limited to plastic, metal, polymer, or composite.

In an embodiment, the adjusting device (112) is substantially similar in shape to the opening (114). Upon engaging the adjusting device (110), the effective size of the target area (112) is reduced. For example, the first target section (102) has a circular opening (114) with two inches in diameter allowing two inches of the target area (112) to be visible through the opening (114). In this example, the adjusting device (112) is a washer having a one and a half-inch inner diameter. Placing the washer over the opening (114), now provides for only one and a half-inches of the target area (112) to be visible. Thus, the adjusting device (112) has reduced the effective size of the target area (114) to one and a half inches. A smaller washer can be utilized to further reduce the effective size of the target area (114).

Additional advantages, features and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and embodiments, shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. An adjustable target comprising: a base; a first target section and a second target section attached to the base, the second target section having a target area at least partially visible through an opening in the first target section; and an adjusting device engageably attached to the first target section, wherein engaging the adjusting device reduces the effective size of the target area.
 2. The target of claim 1 wherein contacting the second target section moves the second target section to an inoperative position
 3. The target of claim 1 wherein the first target section is engageably attached to the second target section.
 4. The target of claim 2 wherein contacting the second target section moves the first target section and second target section to an inoperative position.
 5. The target of claim 1 wherein the first target section is the shape of an animal.
 6. The target of claim 5 wherein the location of the opening corresponds to the kill zone of the animal.
 7. The target of claim 1, further comprising a reset device.
 8. The target of claim 7, wherein the target is automatically reset.
 9. The target of claim 7 wherein the reset device is operatively attached to the first target section.
 10. The target of claim 1, wherein the adjusting device is a substantially similar shape to the opening.
 11. The target of claim 10, wherein the adjusting device is generally circular.
 12. An adjustable target comprising: a first target section engageably connected to a second target section, a target area on the second target section being visible through an opening in the first target section, the first target section and second target section being operatively attached to a base, wherein contacting the target area moves the first target section and the second target section to an inoperative position; and an adjusting device engageably attached to the first target section, wherein engaging the adjusting device reduces the effective size of target area.
 13. The target of claim 12 wherein the first target section is the shape of an animal.
 14. The target of claim 12 further comprises a reset device.
 15. The target of claim 14, wherein the reset device is operatively attached to the first target section.
 16. The target of claim 14, wherein the target is automatically reset.
 17. The target of claim 12, wherein the adjusting device is a substantially similar shape to the opening.
 18. The target of claim 12, wherein the adjusting device is generally circular.
 19. An adjusting device engageably attached to a target having a target area, whereby engaging the device decreases the effective size of the target area.
 20. The adjusting device of 19, wherein the adjusting device is generally circular. 